Comments on: The Distinct American Identity http://pointlessly.org/2010/02/the-distinct-american-identity/ some ramblings and thoughts in midst of a seemingly meaningless world Sat, 04 Sep 2010 15:10:36 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 By: Roz http://pointlessly.org/2010/02/the-distinct-american-identity/comment-page-1/#comment-3699 Roz Tue, 06 Apr 2010 12:53:24 +0000 http://pointlessly.org/?p=411#comment-3699 Hi Angela,<br>I'm sorry it's taken me so long to respond, but I did read your comment and did want to reply! I think you make a great point that I think I missed in my train of thought about the continuously changing nature of "American culture." I guess my post was a reaction to "American culture" as perceived by my peers/those in my generation. And I definitely realize that the idea of trying to define American culture as flawed -- it can be so subjective, which is why I'm sure my opinions about this issue are very judgmental and skewed, as they are shaped by my own personal experiences. <br><br>The concept of 'culture' and 'identity' is something that is so interesting and yet quite ambiguous to me... But I'm glad you enjoyed my blog post, and thanks again for sharing your feedback. It's always nice to hear others' thoughts/opinions. Hi Angela,
I'm sorry it's taken me so long to respond, but I did read your comment and did want to reply! I think you make a great point that I think I missed in my train of thought about the continuously changing nature of “American culture.” I guess my post was a reaction to “American culture” as perceived by my peers/those in my generation. And I definitely realize that the idea of trying to define American culture as flawed — it can be so subjective, which is why I'm sure my opinions about this issue are very judgmental and skewed, as they are shaped by my own personal experiences.

The concept of 'culture' and 'identity' is something that is so interesting and yet quite ambiguous to me… But I'm glad you enjoyed my blog post, and thanks again for sharing your feedback. It's always nice to hear others' thoughts/opinions.

]]> By: Roz http://pointlessly.org/2010/02/the-distinct-american-identity/comment-page-1/#comment-3689 Roz Tue, 06 Apr 2010 05:53:24 +0000 http://pointlessly.org/?p=411#comment-3689 Hi Angela,<br>I'm sorry it's taken me so long to respond, but I did read your comment and did want to reply! I think you make a great point that I think I missed in my train of thought about the continuously changing nature of "American culture." I guess my post was a reaction to "American culture" as perceived by my peers/those in my generation. And I definitely realize that the idea of trying to define American culture as flawed -- it can be so subjective, which is why I'm sure my opinions about this issue are very judgmental and skewed, as they are shaped by my own personal experiences. <br><br>The concept of 'culture' and 'identity' is something that is so interesting and yet quite ambiguous to me... But I'm glad you enjoyed my blog post, and thanks again for sharing your feedback. It's always nice to hear others' thoughts/opinions. Hi Angela,
I'm sorry it's taken me so long to respond, but I did read your comment and did want to reply! I think you make a great point that I think I missed in my train of thought about the continuously changing nature of “American culture.” I guess my post was a reaction to “American culture” as perceived by my peers/those in my generation. And I definitely realize that the idea of trying to define American culture as flawed — it can be so subjective, which is why I'm sure my opinions about this issue are very judgmental and skewed, as they are shaped by my own personal experiences.

The concept of 'culture' and 'identity' is something that is so interesting and yet quite ambiguous to me… But I'm glad you enjoyed my blog post, and thanks again for sharing your feedback. It's always nice to hear others' thoughts/opinions.

]]> By: Angela http://pointlessly.org/2010/02/the-distinct-american-identity/comment-page-1/#comment-3688 Angela Sun, 07 Mar 2010 00:05:57 +0000 http://pointlessly.org/?p=411#comment-3688 Hello, I stumbled upon your blog while looking for handouts from Hubert Dreyfus' lecture on The Brothers Karamazov. I was lucky to discover that Berkeley offers podcasts of some of their lectures...pretty sweet for a student who is awaiting admissions decisions! I haven't, yet, gotten to your related blog, but I have read your assimilation blog. As a 28 year old "WAS" (minus the P) with very different experiences, I enjoyed reading your personal experiences and perceptions and was intrigued by your questioning of Americans and assimilation and cultural definition. I would like to add a small, but relevant, piece to your point. When you think of Americans subscribing to American culture and ultimately being, I guess, awed by people who don't know various pop culture references, remember the continual struggle among the generations to define themselves, socially meld, and "get" each other (in every country even). An adult from the fifties has a very different perception of American culture than, perhaps, their own child of the 60's. Basically, what defines American culture is constantly changing in and of itself, not to mention the other rich cultures adding to the mix (more slowly, yes, but existent). In essence, the very idea of trying to define American culture is flawed. Everyone is trying to assimilate in one way or another, consciously or not. I hope the only definition American culture holds onto is that it continues to change. Thank you for sharing your experiences and I hope you have a culturally rich day :) Hello, I stumbled upon your blog while looking for handouts from Hubert Dreyfus' lecture on The Brothers Karamazov. I was lucky to discover that Berkeley offers podcasts of some of their lectures…pretty sweet for a student who is awaiting admissions decisions! I haven't, yet, gotten to your related blog, but I have read your assimilation blog. As a 28 year old “WAS” (minus the P) with very different experiences, I enjoyed reading your personal experiences and perceptions and was intrigued by your questioning of Americans and assimilation and cultural definition. I would like to add a small, but relevant, piece to your point. When you think of Americans subscribing to American culture and ultimately being, I guess, awed by people who don't know various pop culture references, remember the continual struggle among the generations to define themselves, socially meld, and “get” each other (in every country even). An adult from the fifties has a very different perception of American culture than, perhaps, their own child of the 60's. Basically, what defines American culture is constantly changing in and of itself, not to mention the other rich cultures adding to the mix (more slowly, yes, but existent). In essence, the very idea of trying to define American culture is flawed. Everyone is trying to assimilate in one way or another, consciously or not. I hope the only definition American culture holds onto is that it continues to change. Thank you for sharing your experiences and I hope you have a culturally rich day :)

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